I really struggled to finish this novel. I understand that it is the first book in a new series, however it felt like a big info dump at the beginning that was written without really any tie in to what was going on, so the first 30% of it felt vert disjointed and clunky. I understand we have to learn about the magical (energy?) systems and such, but it felt like the author was trying to throw a lot of info at us that would be needed later on without really making it part of the character - I am especially considering things like the main character just randomly announcing that she can use invisibility. There had to be a better way to tie that in.

I also didn't really find the characters all that likeable and would struggle continuing to read about them in a series.

This was so cozy and fun but I wasn't a big fan of the plot. The atmosphere was really adorable though.

30-year-old fraternal twins Tabby and Sage Winslow own The Book and Candle Shop in Savannah. Sage is hot-headed and impulsive while Tabby is calm and collected, making them the perfect partnership. When one of their customers is found murdered, from a blow to the head, that partnership is put to the test.
Being a lover of cozy mysteries, I wanted to find a great new series with some paranormal attributes. But I'm sorry to say, this isn't it. First, the characters. Although I liked the main character a lot, I didn't like her sister. She seemed a little mean. Whenever I read a piece of fiction, I suspend my belief somewhat. This novel stretched that to the limit. The characters relied too much on their paranormal gifts instead of using common sense and their intelligence. It's hard for me to believe that these characters can make themselves invisible on a whim. When I question whether I even want to continue reading a story, I know that it's time to stop. To me, life is too short to read something that doesn't appeal to me. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Another fun cozy mystery. Loved all the characters. Will recommend!
Can't wait to read the next book in the series

I could not finish this book but what I read, it was good.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Great first in series. I love the setting. The twins are great and I enjoy the supporting characters too. Good mystery. I also enjoy the magical elements and that they aren't too witchy. Looking forward to more in the series

Snuffed Out is the first book in the new Magic Candle Shop Mystery series. It’s a cute, sweet, cozy mystery based on the lives of Sage and Tabby, magical fraternal twins. Very easy to read and fun of fun twists, definitely pick this one up if you like paranormal suspense books!

I loved the story and the characters. I did feel like some of the decisions were a little choppy and irrational, but I am hoping it will flow a little better in book 2. I did receive an unedited copy from NetGalley.

I wasn't able to read this book in time before losing access to it and it somehow never transferred to my kindle. As I have an ARC for the second book in the series I will make sure I read it still. Rating 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4) based on a sample I read.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

DNF at 7%

I usually try to get to at least 10% before bailing, but I just couldn’t quite do it. Especially with the way the plot had started. Some weaknesses I struggled with:

• Everything is overexplained. Readers can infer things! Please trust them not to be total idiots. Detailing out every single thing just makes the book drag.

• Tied into the last point, it was very repetitive. Metaphors were used multiple times in a row - once is enough!

• I know Blithe is Evil Bad Lady, but the Romani slur was not necessary

• With the obvious caveat that I didn’t get far enough to see a character arc: wow Sage is kind of a terrible person with the way she manipulates and uses people. I can’t believe everyone - especially Tabby who seems to idolize her! - is okay with her literally wiping someones memories.

• The OCD neatness thing was also not necessary, I thought we were past that

• So much telling, so little showing. I guess this too ties into my first point.

• Final nail in the coffin: the detectives showed up and they are very weird. Why are they grilling Tabby about Blithe’s family and friends?? Why does she know so much???

Anyway. The cover was very cute and I’d been hoping for a cozy mystery but I am not vibing with it.

Tabby and Sage Winslow are twins. They inherited the Book and Candle Shop from their mother and aunt. The Book and Candle Shop is located in historic Savanah. The shop’s location is perfect because the natural energy of the site helps to nourish their family’s secret power to manipulate energy. They live in an apartment above the shop.

Tabby and Sage are energetics. An energetic uses their energy field to manipulate energy around them. The aura of their positive energy can deflect negative energy. Sage is confident and uses her energy field often. Tabby is more cautious because of a dreadful accident that occurred when she used her energy years ago.

The story is told from Tabby’s point of view. The twins must figure out who killed Blithe. Blithe was an unpleasant customer who frequented their shop often with negative energy. Since Tabby, Sage, and Gerard, an employee, are all suspects they must find the real killer.

This is book one in the Magic Candle Shop Mystery. The story starts off slowly. It is difficult to relate to Tabby and Sage. There was not much depth to the characters. It was hard to care about the outcome. The murder mystery drags and is convoluted. The location and concept of the Book and Candle Shop was intriguing. I will probably read book two and see if the characters and story get better. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Reviews also left with Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.

This book just was not for me. It was too "out there" or something. I cannot quite put my finger on it.

⭐ -- I love the cover on this one.

The cover on this one was most excellent, and I am a little annoyed it was wasted on this book! As for the book itself. Well, my mother always taught me if you haven't anything nice to say then don't say anything at all. So I am not going to take that advice. 😂 Nothing in this book worked. It felt like we were dropped into an ongoing series. The magic/energy element was convoluted and hard to understand, and the characters themselves were not close to being likable (especially Sage). A solid idea that was badly executed.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Snuffed Out by Valona Jones is the debut of A Magic Candle Shop Mystery. The cover is what drew me to Snuffed Out. I love the colors, the cat, and the touch of magic. I had a difficult time wading through this story especially the first few chapters. The author is setting the stage for the series. I liked the descriptions of the historic district of Savannah. The story is told from Tabby’s point of view, so we are subject to all her thoughts. Tabby is timid and afraid to use her powers. There was an incident in the past which has caused Tabby to be afraid of using her abilities. Sage is the bolder sister with strong abilities. It feels that Tabby is influenced by Sage’s abilities and choices. Sage uses her powers too often. She should not use her abilities to influence others. Sage is prejudiced against non-witches. The twins are energetics which means they can manipulate energy. I was not a fan of the main characters (as you can tell). I found Tabby to be wimpy. There are frequent mentions of the incident that caused Tabby to lock up her powers, but the details are not given up front. The descriptions of their powers were tedious (they helped my insomnia). I found the transitions to be choppy. There is a romantic partner for each sister. The chemistry was missing. It felt like they had boyfriends because they were supposed to not because they cared for the person. The mystery was okay. The sisters go around talking to various townspeople trying to uncover the truth (we meet a lot of people). They uncover secrets and suspects. Some aspects of the mystery are farfetched and others for convenience. There were too many characters. It is hard to keep them straight. I like Auntie O. She is a delightful character. There are repetitive details. We do not need to be reminded all the time that the twins are witches, how they manipulate energy, or about the incident that has caused Tabby to ignore her powers. I like that the story had a diverse cast, but the way one person’s gender was handled was insensitive. There are confusing and conflicting details. It was a challenge to get through this story. I feel that Snuffed Out could have used another round of edits. Snuffed Out is a Southern cozy mystery with energetic candles, supernatural sisters, a deceased customer, a suspected salesclerk, a historical city, and a curious cat.

Tabby and Sage are twin sisters who have inherited a candle shop from their aunt. They are witches per se, but they do have a way to send energy or good vibes into their creations. When an extremely difficult customer comes into the shop and accuses them of being fraud because their candles didn't help her headaches, it's all caught on camera phone. Tabby tries to calm her down and placate her. However, when she turns up dead, all eyes turn to the girls and most especially their clerk. Now they feel they must save him and their shop.

It was a fun premise and I enjoyed the character. It was easy-to-read. The only think I didn't like what the characters attitude and conversations around intimacy. To them, it was just a past time. It really didn't add to the plot. Tension could easily have been built into the plot without this point of view.

Snuffed out is a promising first book in the Magic Candle Shop Mystery series by Velona Jones. Although it struck me as an edgier cozy mystery, with more of the romance element that I'm used to, it still contained interesting characters and a well planned mystery. I would have liked to hear more about the magical items sold in the main character's shop but hopefully there will be more details in the next book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Twins Tabby and Sage cannot be more different. They are elementals which is never completed described other than Sage can and does drain the energy from someone whom she thinks betrayed her and Tabby seems to be able to discharge energy that can be for good or not so good. There is an accident from her youth where she killed someone trying to defend herself and this has made her hesitant to unleash her powers.

But when the family Candle and Book Shop, their home, their friends and their lives are threatened, Tabby may have to remove her restraints and defend all she values. In that moment, she realizes that she can control her power and she can channel it for positive resilts. Her sister seems to revel in the dark and negative. I have to admit that while I really liked Tabby, her aunt, her beau and her employees I struggled with Sage. Thankfully by the end, she had redeemed herself enough as she and the others join forces to defeat the villain. I suspect there will be follow up stories as there are some interesting clues about Quig, Tabby’s boyfriend, that might lead into interesting directions. Four purrs and two paws up.

This was a pretty good start to a new series. I loved that our protagonists are twins with psychic abilities. It had the right amount of paranormal to keep it fun, and I did enjoy the characters. I loved the setting and their Book and Candle shop. I felt like this was a bit too long, but that could be because I didn't connect with the characters as much as I usually do. I will definitely continue with the series and cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Really a great book, recommend it.